The Townsville match could be the first chance for Sarota to play in Roar colours in front of his parents, who are hoping to make the four-hour drive down from his hometown Gordonvale.

The 20-year-old the prospect of showing his skills in front of his 'home' crowd in North Queensland was appealing.

"That's one good thing about having a team in Townsville, my parents can come and watch a couple of games," said Sarota.

"It's good for them, because when I'm playing in Brisbane they have to fly down if they want to watch me, whereas they can just drive down to Townsville."

Sarota will also be keen to impress coach Frank Farina, with time running out to earn a start in the A-League opener against Gold Coast United on August 8.

The National Youth League Player of the Year said he had a lot more to prove in his first pre-season with the senior squad.

"I'm not too happy with how I've been training and playing but hopefully I can change it," he said.

"I feel like I can do much more than what I'm actually doing now. I've just got to try to prove to myself I can do more and also to the Gaffer (Farina)."

With midfield dynamo Massimo Murdocca on the long-term injury list, Sarota could be given a chance to fill the hole in midfield, provided he can prove his ability in a more defensive role.

After Farina trialled the youngster in Murdocca's role in the past two matches against Celtic and Newcastle respectively, Sarota admitted it was something he would have to adapt to.

"It was a good experience playing against Celtic, it kind of opened my eyes to a lot of things but I've just got to try to prove my defensive qualities," he said .

"I'll be happy to play anywhere as long as it's on the field, so I'll play wherever the Gaffer puts me."

The friendly against Fury will be  Roar's last test against A-League opposition before the season opener on August 8.

Having gone down to Newcastle Jets on Sunday, Sarota said it was important to get things back on track in Townsville.

He added: "We knew we could've done better against Newcastle. That's what we've got to try to do because it's only another two weeks away.

"So we want to get all the little things right now coming into the first game against the Gold Coast, because that's going to be a big game."

Brisbane Roar's pre-season friendly against North Queensland Fury kicks off at 3pm this Sunday at Tony Ireland Stadium, Townsville.

Photo by Lee McCormick.